Finance

Where abroad? In Scandinavia. Why? To seek refuge from currencies like EUR, USD, CHF, and GBP and diversify your political risk and secure your savings. How? Read on. This article explains why countries and specific banks in Scandinavia deserve your consideration as safe and reliable places to stash some cash abroad.

With markets so calm, it’s easy to become complacent about the corrosive effects that volatility can have on long-term investment success. If you don’t need the money for a long time, you can ride out the inevitable market squalls but if you’re close to or already drawing from those funds, volatility can be costly...Let me explain further.

The pension nightmare that is at the heart of the horrific financial crisis in Detroit is just the tip of the iceberg of the coming retirement crisis that will shake America to the core. As a society, we have made trillions of dollars of financial promises to the Baby Boomers, and there is no way that we are going to be able to keep those promises. The money simply is not there.

Rising costs in the U.S. are driving more people to consider retirement in less expensive locales and the list of potential resting spots is long and varied. International Living compiles annual lists on the best places to retire based on things like cost of living, ease of entry, healthcare, insurance and access to amenities. [Below are their top 10.] Words: 950

Moving abroad may seem far-fetched, but it’s worthwhile to at least consider it as an option in your financial journey. A foreign country with a low cost of living could save you money while also providing fascinating cultural experiences and adventures...Let’s take a look at some of the differences in income and spending around the world.

Did your portfolio lose money over the past few years? Well, don't despair as there are many low-risk investment options that can help you grow your savings slowly - but safely. Here are ten safe and low-risk investment options to consider.

It seems that Americans (and particularly those who vote Republican) are always complaining about how much they pay in personal income taxes. Frankly, however, they have absolutely nothing to complain about when compared to what the citizens of Canada, Australia, the U.K., New Zealand, Germany, Belgium and almost all other countries pay. Here's a list of 20 countries of note showing what their effective tax rates are at the equivalent of USD100,000 and USD300,000 for comparative purposes. Words: 510

Paying off the mortgage early is an idea with obvious appeal, but not one that many middle-class home "owners" pursue. If your interest rate is so good that the bank just made a bad bet in giving you that low rate, you might want to continue enjoying the benefits as long as possible. In many other circumstances, however, paying off the mortgage can be a fine money management move indeed. [Below are 10 sound reasons to do so.] Words: 1588

If you’re among those struggling with debt and just want to be rid of it and move on with your life, it can be helpful to find some information and inspiration from others who are financial experts or people working to pay off substantial amounts of debt. You’ll find all of that, and more, in these inspirational personal finance blogs that can offer you advice, motivation, and guidance in paying down your debts so you can start putting that money to other uses. Words: 1010

Rich means you live comfortably according to your personal standards. If you’ve lived a middle-class lifestyle, a rich retirement means you can maintain that same lifestyle without worry and without having to work if you don’t want to. Below is some straight talk on how to make a rich retirement your reality.